cityCURRENT

cityCURRENT We connect businesses with community to power the GOOD through events, media, and philanthropy.

cityCURRENT is a privately-funded catalyst focused on creating and sharing moments and media to inspire and . A team of partner businesses, comprised of some of the largest employers in the world to mid-size and smaller firms in the Mid-South, have partnered together to become a force for good to give back, host more than 150 free community events each year, and produce an array of po

sitive-oriented media. The name cityCURRENT pays homage to three important aspects of our efforts. It plays off our media and television shows, like The SPARK and The SPARK Awards, inviting you to join with us in being the electric current powering GOOD in our community, to be the current of our city, the cityCURRENT. It also ties to our championing the Mid-South and the current of the Mighty Mississippi River. And, it refers to the here and now, the current impact of our events and efforts. Since our founding in 2005, cityCURRENT has served the community by hosting seminars and workshops, weekly getCONNECTED lunches and panel discussions, bringing in national guest speakers with our Signature Speaker Series, and coordinating a variety of other events to enrich and engage the community. These events are underwritten by our corporate partners, so they are FREE to attend. We provide easy, turnkey opportunities for organizations and individuals to become more engaged in the community and strategically leverage our charitable giving and collective resources to make an even greater impact. We host a variety of volunteer days, action projects, nonprofit and school tours, and other experiential opportunities to see the GOOD. Recent examples include tutoring after school, mentoring, scrubbing graffiti off of buildings and bridges, washing the feet of over 3,000 kids and providing them with new shoes and socks, providing a wounded Veteran Hero a mortgage free home, picking up over 90,000 pounds of trash from McKellar Lake and the Mississippi River, spearheading the Fallen Officer Memorial, creating and promoting the Power of the Dollar Campaign ("buy local"), launching a civic pride effort called "Memphis Rocks," and hosting a Film Festival screening and telethon. One the media side, we produce and host television and radio shows, along with a podcast. We have a weekly newspaper column and two books that focus on achieving success in life and business while helping others in the process; and both books give back to support youth literacy programs. We hire freelance journalists to cover positive stories under the banners of GOODworks and River City Rising. And, we also contribute to national media outlets, like PBS and Forbes. All of our efforts are focused on spotlighting positive news and efforts, lessons learned, tips and ways you can join in the effort and become an even greater force for good. Overall, cityCURRENT interacts with over 50,000 leaders on a weekly basis and has received international recognition for our innovative approach to corporate philanthropy. We're working hard every day to create a new model and way for organizations and citizens to come together and make a difference; where engagement is free, volunteerism is easy, the good is celebrated, and giving back is woven into every event and effort.

The theme of The SPARK September 2025 is “Rise Together”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Josh Burgess, Executive Directo...
09/22/2025

The theme of The SPARK September 2025 is “Rise Together”.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Josh Burgess, Executive Director of Lucy J’s Bakery, a nonprofit bakery in Crosstown Concourse providing job training and wages for parents transitioning out of homelessness; Tiffani Morrow Smith, Executive Director of REACH Memphis, a nonprofit helping high school students prepare for college and careers through mentoring, college prep counseling, career planning and more; and Michael Dermer, CEO of The Lonely Entrepreneur, a nonprofit foundation with a comprehensive platform helping entrepreneurs and musicians.

Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner FedEx.

The theme of The SPARK September 2025 is “Rise Together”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Josh Burgess, Executive Director of Lucy J’s Bakery, a nonprofit bakery providing job training and wages for…

09/20/2025
This morning at our Baptist Memorial Health Care hosted cityCURRENT Signature Speaker Series Event, Dr. Natalie Stavas d...
09/19/2025

This morning at our Baptist Memorial Health Care hosted cityCURRENT Signature Speaker Series Event, Dr. Natalie Stavas delivered a powerful keynote on choosing courage over comfort when moments turn chaotic.

Recounting her decision to sprint toward the Boston Marathon bombing scene, she framed “running toward chaos” as a learnable discipline—not a personality trait. She connected the physiology of fight-or-flight to practical leadership, showing how purpose, preparation, and proximity (to people, to need, to mission) convert fear into focused action.

In addition to the presentation, we had a special moment with Opera Memphis and Skillway's Dew Tinnin to find creative ways to prospect.

Watch the presentation on our personal and professional development platform, GROWTHcurrent here: https://growthcurrent.com/drnataliestavas/

Photos courtesy of , Creation Studios

Thank you to all of our partners and our event support team including Behind the Scenes, ProductionOne, V2 Media, The Great Hall & Conference Center, Mahaffey Event & Tent Rentals, Creation Studios, Coffee Central, and Dr. Bean's Coffee and Tea Emporium for making this event possible.

09/19/2025

Nonprofit Spotlight: Baptist Memorial Health Care Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

When a baby is born too soon, too small, or critically ill, every second matters — and every milestone becomes a miracle. At Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women in Memphis, their Level III NICU cares for more than 1,300 newborns every year, offering 24/7 access to board-certified neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and a compassionate team who treat every patient like family.

From the staff who clean and prepare each room to the nurses who cheer the first bottle feed, this is a place where teamwork fuels hope. Every day, they celebrate big moments — like coming off oxygen — and stand with families through the hardest ones.

Supporting the Baptist NICU means helping more babies survive, thrive, and go home — and that’s a mission we can all rally behind.

Learn more: www.baptistonline.org

09/19/2025

Johnny Pitts here with cityCURRENT, powered by Higginbotham to give you the monthly Pitts 3-Peat.

1. Lonely Planet, a leading global travel media company Declares Memphis a Top Travel Pick
Memphis is once again earning recognition on the world stage—this time from one of the most trusted voices in travel. Lonely Planet has released its list of the Top 25 Things to Do in North America, and right alongside icons like Central Park, the Grand Canyon, and Mexico City’s Casa Azul, you’ll find “Visit the home of blues in Memphis, Tennessee.”

In the article, Lonely Planet calls Memphis “ground zero for American rock and roll”, pointing to the legendary Sun Studio where Sam Phillips recorded artists like B.B. King and Elvis Presley. The feature also highlights Beale Street and Graceland—two global music landmarks that continue to draw visitors from every corner of the world.

2. University of Memphis Drives $1 Billion Economic Impact in 2024
The University of Memphis is proving once again that its influence extends far beyond the classroom. A new economic impact report from Applied Analysis shows that the U of M is not only shaping the city’s future leaders but also fueling the Mid-South economy to the tune of nearly $1 billion annually.

The study highlights the U of M’s role in preparing talent with more than two thirds of graduates remaining in the Memphis area.

The report confirms that the University of Memphis is one of Tennessee’s strongest economic multipliers. For every dollar spent on operations, $1.75 flows back into the state’s economy.

3. Innovate Memphis launches a new street safety advocacy initiative
A brand new advocacy coalition named Street Fair, backed by Innovate Memphis aims to bring safer and more affordable transportation opportunities to Memphis.

Innovate Memphis says Street Fair was formed in response to rising traffic deaths and the city’s lack of affordable transportation options.

Street Fair aims to reshape how Memphians travel through the city through community engagement, policy advocacy, and coalition-building, with the goal of shifting Memphis away from car dependency and expanding options like public transit, biking, & walking.

Tonight’s Baptist Memorial Health Care hosted cityCURRENT reception brought us the courageous story of Dr. Natalie Stava...
09/19/2025

Tonight’s Baptist Memorial Health Care hosted cityCURRENT reception brought us the courageous story of Dr. Natalie Stavas, Harvard‐trained physician, researcher, and humanitarian whose life was forever changed at the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Just blocks from the finish line, hearing explosions, she ran towards the chaos—jumped a police barrier—and immediately began using her medical training to administer CPR, apply tourniquets, and triage the wounded.

Her research focuses on protecting vulnerable children — preventing childhood abuse, reducing youth violence, and ensuring that high‐risk kids receive the care and trauma support they need.

During the Q&A, she wove together her work and her experiences, laying out observable indicators—how people manage fear, how they move into service rather than flight or freeze, what behaviors signal capacity for clarity amid crisis (especially among first responders).

Guests left inspired by her “Running Toward Chaos” philosophy: that confronting fear, leaning into difficult moments, and anchoring in purpose can transform both individuals and communities.

This morning, cityCURRENT hosted an inspiring Nonprofit Tour at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, giving business and community...
09/16/2025

This morning, cityCURRENT hosted an inspiring Nonprofit Tour at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, giving business and community leaders a behind-the-scenes look at one of Memphis’ most treasured cultural institutions.

Our group was welcomed by the Dixon team, who shared the story of how Hugo and Margaret Dixon’s 1976 gift of their home, art collection, and gardens blossomed into today’s 17-acre oasis of art and nature.

Guests experienced the museum’s world-class French and American Impressionist collection and explored the beautiful gardens that draw thousands of visitors annually for their seasonal displays, including the famed spring tulips.

The tour highlighted Dixon’s commitment to “free for good” admission, making art and nature accessible for everyone, and its robust community programming—ranging from school partnerships to wellness activities like yoga in the gardens.

Did you know spending just 120 minutes in nature per week and even 30 minutes in an art museum can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental well-being? That's something the Dixon offers daily to our citizens.

A huge thank-you to the team for hosting us and reminding us of the vital role art and gardens play in making Memphis a more vibrant, healthy, and connected community.

Learn more: https://www.dixon.org/

VOLUNcheers is this Thursday and Volunteer Odyssey is heading to the Society of Memphis & Shelby.Join them for a:✅ Behi...
09/16/2025

VOLUNcheers is this Thursday and Volunteer Odyssey is heading to the Society of Memphis & Shelby.

Join them for a:
✅ Behind-the-scenes tour
✅ Hands-on projects to support their biggest fundraiser
✅ A chance to meet some adorable adoptables
✅ Drinks + new friends = best happy hour ever

Limited to 15 guests – grab your spot before it’s gone:
https://serve.volunteerodyssey.com/event/637850-voluncheers-at-humane-society-of-memphis-sep-2025

This event is hosted by Wilson Public Relations

Limited Seats Available – Join us for a transformational Signature Speaker Series breakfast hosted by Baptist Memorial ...
09/12/2025

Limited Seats Available – Join us for a transformational Signature Speaker Series breakfast hosted by Baptist Memorial Health Care and featuring Dr. Natalie Stavas, the award-winning physician and humanitarian who ran toward the chaos of the Boston Marathon bombing to save lives.

Dr. Stavas will share powerful insights on turning fear into courage, finding purpose in crisis, and leading with empathy when it matters most. You’ll leave inspired to take bold action in your own life and leadership.

📅 Friday, September 19
📍 The Great Hall & Conference Center – Germantown
⏰ Breakfast & Networking 7:30 AM | Program 8:30–9:45 AM CT

In-person: https://www.addevent.com/event/hp26101375
Virtual: https://citycurrent.com/2025/08/09-19-citycurrent-virtual-signature-speaker-series-featuring-dr-natalie-stavas/

Address

2670 Union Avenue Ext. Suite 100
Memphis, TN
38112

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+19013211000

Website

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13 Honorees Celebrated During The SPARK Awards 2018

Thirteen organizations and individuals were honored Monday, December 10, during The SPARK Awards 2018 special broadcast on WKNO/Channel 10. The fifth annual televised awards show honors and celebrates the efforts of individuals, nonprofits, corporations, and schools, in 13 different categories, who are igniting change and making a positive impact in the Greater Memphis community. The SPARK Awards is produced in partnership by WKNO-TV and cityCURRENT.

WATCH THE 2018 SPARK AWARDS HERE

Back in August, the public was invited to freely cast nominations in each of the 13 categories, as an opportunity to recognize and help publicly thank the organizations and individuals who are leading by example and making a difference in the Mid-South. The categories cover individuals of different ages (youth, college student and adult), nonprofits and corporations of various sizes, then education with a school, teacher, and education leader award. There is also a Legacy Award to honor someone’s efforts and impact over the course of many years or a lifetime. Nominations were accepted from 8:00 a.m. on August 1, 2018 to 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2018.

Once the nomination phase ended, all nominations were provided to the Midtown Memphis Rotary Club, who served as the independent judges for the awards show. No preference or weighting was given to multiple nominations for the same individual or organization. The criteria for judging was based on taking a leadership role in initiatives or efforts that better the Greater Memphis community, volunteerism, and impact.